This game brings together two clubs who have had completely different campaigns, but both have been equally frustrated with their overall performances. West Ham started very well and look like challenging for a top six spot before their form dropped markedly in the second half of the season. Everton, on the other hand, have performed much better in recent months after what had been a deeply disappointing first two thirds of their campaign. Three points separate the two, heading into what will be the penultimate games of this season for both clubs, with West Ham holding the slight advantage. Any win for Everton would see them leapfrog their weekend opponents on goal difference, and whilst there is no European spot available through league positions for these two, they can qualify for next season’s Europa League through the Respect Fair Play rankings, which take into account the disciplinary records of teams over the course of a season.
With doubts being cast, once again, over the future of Sam Allardyce as West Ham manager, it has not been an easy end to the season at Upton Park. Despite seemingly having changed the style of play – which was a big issue in previous seasons for the owners and supporters – Allardyce has come under pressure for how few points his team have picked up since the turn of the year. Injuries have of course played their part, but that has not exempted the former Blackburn and Bolton manager from criticism. The winner over Burnley, two games ago, was their only success in their last six Premier League matches, and that is likely to be the thing people remember about West Ham’s season.
Having went six games unbeaten in the league, winning five of those, Everton have now lost their last two games. Sunderland got the better of the Blues at Goodison Park last weekend, following Everton’s loss to Villa the week previous. Both defeats would have been as much frustrating, for Roberto Martinez, as they would be disappointing. Just when he felt he has turned things around and looking like the Toffees would finish the season strongly, consecutive defeats has stopped them in their tracks. There will be no immediate pressure on the Spaniard in terms of his job but a slow start to the new season may well change that, particularly when you consider the money he has spent.
The fact that one of these sides could be playing European football next season is pretty peculiar when you think about how they have underperformed. Whether or not they want to play in the Europa League is another thing, of course. It could be argued that Everton’s stuttering campaign has been down to their participation in that competition this season. Unlike on the continent, where the majority of clubs view the Europa as a prestigious tournament, English clubs often look on it as a distraction and rarely target it. If that is the opinion of both managers then we could see a busy afternoon for referee for Kevin Friend, as the two sides battle for who can pick up the most bookings to avoid finishing top of the Fair Play table.
It is a difficult game to size up for any number of reasons, especially with the added distraction of the possible European football angle. West Ham have struggled for much of 2015 and it is difficult to see them turning things around in the last couple of games. Everton, on the other hand, are probably the most difficult team in the Premier League currently, indicated by their last two home games where they defeated Manchester United 3-0 before losing 2-0 to Sunderland. I am taking quite a bit on faith and going for an away win, though. They have a very good recent record against West Ham, having not lost to them in the league since 2007. For the cynical amongst you, if you really believe both teams will be intent on scuppering their potential participation in the Europa League next season, over 2.5 cards can be backed at 4/5 with Bet365, whilst a sending off is a best priced 6/1 with William Hill.
Everton 13/8 @ Ladbrokes
